May 23, 2023 

School District U-46’s Board of Education has selected Dr. Suzanne Johnson as the next superintendent for the state's second-largest school district. Dr. Johnson began her career in education in U-46 nearly 26 years ago, and since February, she’s served as the district’s interim superintendent.

Pending the successful outcome of contract negotiations and approval at a June 2023 Board meeting, Dr. Johnson will officially assume the role of superintendent on July 1, 2023.

“The Board is delighted to welcome Dr. Johnson as our new superintendent. We look forward to working with her and are excited about the future of U-46,” said Board President Susan Kerr.

Dr. Johnson had served for five years as U-46’s deputy superintendent of instruction when the Board appointed her as interim superintendent on Feb. 23, after the district’s previous leader, Dr. Tony Sanders, was named state superintendent for Illinois.

A graduate of Elgin High School, Dr. Johnson, returned to her U-46 roots to teach language arts at Canton Middle School in Streamwood. Dr. Johnson's first administrative role was as a divisional at Bartlett High School. She quickly advanced into the role of associate principal and then principal prior to moving into a role in central administration in 2013, first as an assistant superintendent of teaching and learning before being promoted to the deputy superintendent position. 

Within U-46, Dr. Johnson is known for her deep understanding of instructional practices and a commitment to fostering academic excellence. 

Dr. Johnson holds her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa, her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from DePaul University, and her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois-Chicago. 

Dr. Johnson and her husband, Ben, live in Streamwood. They have two children, Will and Evan.